• BMB Reports
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• v.43 no.9
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• pp.593-598
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• 2010

Tetrahydrobiopterin ($BH_4$) is a pivotal cofactor for enzymes responsible for the synthesis and release of monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin as well as the release of glutamate. Deficiencies in $BH_4$ levels and reduced activities of $BH_4$-associated enzymes have been recently reported in patients with schizophrenia. Accordingly, it is possible that abnormalities in the biochemical cascades regulated by $BH_4$ may alter DA, 5-HT and Glu neurotransmission, and consequently contribute to the pathophysiology of different neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia. The development of a novel strain of mutant mice that is deficient in $BH_4$ by knocking out the expression of a functional sepiapterin reductase gene (spr -/-) has added new insights into the potential role of $BH_4$ in the pathophysiology and improved treatment of schizophrenia.